Captivate Dental Tips: Is It Safe to Receive Dental Procedures While Pregnant or Nursing?

If you are a mother or expecting a child, you may have wondered if dental procedures are safe.

You are thinking about what goes into your body and know that many dental treatments include medicine.

You know good oral health is great for you and your child, but you may be uncertain about how dental treatment might affect your child.

At Captivate Dental, we know that maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing a dentist during and after pregnancy can be helpful. However, dental treatment is sometimes necessary. But what treatments are safe?

Let’s take a look!

Common issues during pregnancy and nursing

Tooth decay and gingivitis are common dental issues. If morning sickness causes vomiting, the acid level in your mouth increases, as does the risk of tooth decay.

The increased acid can reach your baby, increasing their risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Severe tooth decay can lead to cavities or even tooth loss.

During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone spikes. This creates more acid in the mouth, which can lead to gingivitis.

Breastfeeding moms are at an increased risk for tooth decay if they neglect standard oral hygiene practices or don’t keep their mouths hydrated.

Bruxism. Many pregnant and new mothers grind their teeth, which can damage teeth, harm the jaw, and lead to TMJ. A healthy, stress-free baby needs a healthy, stress-free mom!

Nursing moms lose up to 5 per cent of their bone mass as their children use more calcium. This can cause periodontal disease or gingivitis, which damages the gums and causes bone loss in the jaw.

To prevent this, it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet throughout your time breastfeeding, including lots of calcium and vitamin D.

Because of these issues, you must maintain your schedule or routine visits to your Cheltenham dentist during pregnancy and immediately after.

Treatment during pregnancy

Generally speaking, a healthy mother with an uncomplicated pregnancy can receive low-level treatments such as fillings and cleanings during their second and third trimesters.

Here are some specific things to think about:

• The risks of not treating some dental issues usually outweigh the small risks of dental work during pregnancy. Some medicines, including local antibiotics, anaesthetics, and pain medicines, can still be used safely during pregnancy.
• The second trimester is the optimal time for routine dental procedures. Foetal organs have developed, the risk of nausea and vomiting is decreased, and most women still feel comfortable in a dental chair. Elective procedures and dental surgeries should be postponed until after birth.
• Be comfy. Shorter appointments are better as they prevent discomfort and pressure on the lower back while reclining in a dental chair. If lying on your back is uncomfortable, bring a pillow and have frequent breaks. Don’t forget to bring headphones and your favourite music. Break treatment up into shorter visits.
• Seek dental treatment and have a checkup before pregnancy to avoid any issues while pregnant.
• If a dental situation is dangerous. Sometimes, the risks of not treating oral pain, swelling, damage, or infection may outweigh the small risks associated with dental work while pregnant. Some medicines, including antibiotics, local anaesthetics, and pain medicines, can be safely used during pregnancy.

Medicines and Nursing

Before using dental medicine, it is wise to consult with your dentist and your family doctor or paediatrician.

But generally speaking, here is what is considered safe.

• X-rays are safe for breastfeeding mothers
• Novocaine and other local anaesthetics are considered safe.
• Most medicines used in IV or oral sedation are considered safe
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also regarded as safe
• Some antibiotics are considered safe – again, this is why your dentist needs to know if you are breastfeeding.

Take care of yourself while pregnant & nursing.

It is easy to neglect brushing and flossing during pregnancy and early childhood—after all, pregnancy and childcare mean less time and more work.

But don’t do it. Bacteria that builds up in a mom’s mouth is easily transferable to your child, as is a buildup in acid, which can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

The good news is that Cheltenham dentists are professional at maintaining oral health if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

We recommend appropriate treatments and use safe techniques and medicine. With your help, we can keep your mouth healthy and help keep your child healthy!

Complete Dental Care at Captivate!

At Captivate Dental, we give patients the best care possible and empower them to make wise decisions.

Our knowledgeable, compassionate staff adds value by using the highest-quality materials effectively and having outstanding diagnostic abilities.

We offer various preventative and cosmetic dental treatments for children, seniors, and everyone!

GAP FREE Promotions for our New Patients

No Gap Initial Examination, Clean, Fluoride treatment and 2x X-rays for all Private Health Insurance Dental coverage.

Call us at (03) 9553 1249, visit us online, or use our convenient online booking page.

We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.